Skater boys and girls ramp up the fun
Skaters competed in junior and senior divisions at the skatepark.
Skateboarders dressed in cool baggy jeans and branded sneakers participated in a friendly competition at the No-Comply Skatepark at i’langa Mall on Sunday, June 21.
The event was held in celebration of International Skateboard Day and gave skaters an opportunity to put their skills to the test.
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The competition featured junior and senior divisions, with contestants having to impress judges with their tricks while successfully landing them. Judges were impressed by the young competitors, who fearlessly tackled the ramps and managed to stay on their boards.
The senior skaters showcased impressive skills, thrilling spectators with high jumps and board flips.
Zian Lottering was crowned the junior division winner, while Competence Gwandure took top honours in the senior division. Their winning tricks included fakies, ollies, and front and backside 180s.
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The founder of the park, Ruvaan Swanepoel, opened the skatepark five years ago after recognising the need for a free facility in the community.
“My love for skateboarding started at a young age. It kept me out of trouble,” Swanepoel said with a laugh.
He added that he began building ramps for the skatepark during the Covid-19 lockdown. He later approached i’langa Mall and asked whether a section of its parking area could be used for the facility. The skatepark was named after Swanepoel’s favourite skateboarding trick, the no-comply.
The park has since grown into a vibrant community hub where skaters meet and enjoy the sport together. The ramps have been built using Swanepoel’s own funds.
“The goal of this park is to give skaters a place where they can skate and have fun, free of charge,” he said.
Swanepoel encouraged female skaters and older skateboarders to join the growing skating community. Anyone interested in getting involved can attend the free Sunday afternoon sessions and access the park during the mall’s operating hours.
